Science

The botulism toxin comes from Clostridium botulinum bacteria, seen here in a colorized micrograph.

Why Scientists Held Back Details On A Unique Botulinum Toxin

3:51pm March 18, 2014

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

Journals usually require researchers to reveal genetic sequences for a toxin that is the subject of a scientific paper. The requirement was waived for a new botulinum toxin because of security risks.

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Science

Ripples In Space Could Point To The Universe's Beginnings

5:24am March 18, 2014

by Geoff Brumfiel

Physicists say they've discovered a faint signal from just moments after the universe began. If confirmed, it could revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos. But not everyone is convinced.

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Genetic Sequencing May Not Be Ready To Become Routine

6:51pm March 11, 2014

by Rob Stein

Sequencing someone's genetic code may seem a good way to raise warnings on health risks. But results can be a confusing mess of information that only leaves patients and doctors needlessly scared.

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Russian personnel are the first to meet space station crew members when they return to earth.

Despite Diplomatic Tensions, U.S.-Russia Space Ties Persist

7:40am March 11, 2014

by Geoff Brumfiel

NASA needs Russian rockets to reach the International Space Station, and Russia needs NASA's money to help finance operations.

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Casinos, Sites Of Excess, Might Actually Help Families Slim Down

7:59pm March 10, 2014

by Patti Neighmond

A recent study finds that a casino's expansion was associated with an increase in family income in its community. In turn, that increase in household income helped lead to a decrease in childhood obesity.

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A set of littleBits comes with more than 40 different types of electronic pieces that connect with magnets.

Science

SXSW: Software, Apps Still Rule But A Hardware Resurgence Is On

7:59pm March 10, 2014

by Elise Hu

Technology talk is often focused on software and programs that run inside our devices. But a "maker movement" is driving interest toward making the physical devices themselves.

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Science

The '60s Are Gone, But Psychedelic Research Trip Continues

10:00am March 10, 2014

by NPR Staff

Since the 1970s, hallucinogens have been classified as Schedule I drugs, indicating they have no medical use. But researchers say there are benefits and that work must continue.

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Empty shelves where eggs should be at a Whole Foods Market in Washington, D.C. The store blames increased demand for organic eggs.

Science

Chickens That Lay Organic Eggs Eat Imported Food, And It's Pricey

11:26am March 04, 2014

by Dan Charles

America's farmers aren't growing enough organic corn and soybeans for our organic animals. Farmers in China, India and Argentina are filling the gap, but tight supplies have led to shortages.

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Science

From Aztecs To Oscars: Popcorn's Beautiful, Explosive Journey

3:06pm February 28, 2014

by Adam Cole

Long before it fueled moviegoers, popcorn helped lay the foundation for the Aztec empire. In our video, we look at popcorn under a microscope, where the rock-hard kernel's fluffy secret is revealed.

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A hunk of salt from the underground nuclear waste dump in Carlsbad, New Mexico. A piece of salt is believed to have fallen from a cavern ceiling and crushed drums of waste.

Science

13 Workers Exposed To Radiation At N.M. Nuclear Waste Dump

1:21pm February 28, 2014

by Geoff Brumfiel

An accident at the site appears to be more serious than first disclosed. Nobody knows what happened, but it's shaping up to be a major setback for the nation's only dedicated nuclear waste dump.

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